ROSELAND PARC
AUGUST 2010 UPDATE
Sporting fun
What a laugh we had! Last week we had our first sports day – though we called it a Summer Fun Day to save putting the less sporty residents off! It was such fun. We split into teams – red, blue, green and yellow – just like at school. And then we took part in lots of different games – skittles, shoot a duck (rubber ones with water!), boules, croquet...it was lots of fun.
We had some children from the local community join us and some people from the local church brought along home baked cup cakes which were very welcome after all the activity. Our new events co-ordinator Lois kept us all in order and totted up the points. The red team won and were presented with a trophy by our village manager Derek. We all get medals too which was rather nice!
Poppy cottage
By Elizabeth Sharratt
Rain was promised but Roseland Parc residents were not going to be denied the pleasure of looking at an extraordinary garden which was started in 2004 by two brilliant gardeners. It covers about an acre and is divided into smaller gardens, each one having at least one bench or summerhouse so that the less mobile visitors can always have a rest.
The scale of the gardens and the vibrant colours of the plantings amazed everyone. Great care had been taken to mix and match the various areas so that one got a different vista moving from one to the other. Right at the end of the garden is a fenced area containing fancy breeds of chickens and ducks who have the orchard to themselves.
These outings have a habit of ending up with a "cuppa" and this one was no exception. Luckily the rain moved away from Cornwall into England so we were able to enjoy a quiet afternoon in beautiful surroundings.
One week wine, the next ice cream
By Elizabeth Sharratt
Following on from last week's wine tasting, Roseland Parc residents travelled to the top of The Lizard Peninsular to sample the scrumptious ice creams made by a farmer called Roskilly.
They are very popular in the county and it was thought that we ought to know a bit more about the production and also the various flavours on offer!
We arrived at the farm after a very pleasant drive only to be told that the factory was not on show to the public for another week.
Consternation was quickly dispelled when large samples of various ice creams appeared on the table and it was extraordinary how quickly they were passed round the group and disappeared!
JULY 2010 UPDATE
St Ives…. At last!
By Elizabeth Sharratt
Great excitement on June 17 as eight of us were going to visit St.Ives… at last. Richard, our regular and trusted driver, drove us north-west on the minor roads from Tregony to St. Agnes.
It was delightful to see the verges full of wild flowers which grow in such profusion in Cornwall. But the best was still to come. The coast road to St.Ives is spectacular at all times of the year but on a lovely warm sunny day it was magnificent and reminded us all of our childhood.
Richard knows the County backwards and made several diversions; one to see the stunning scenery around Godreavy Lighthouse (top left - click image to enlarge)
St. Ives was full of holidaymakers so we joined in the fun. Some of us went to the Tate St.Ives Gallery, some to Barbara Hepworth’s Garden and some even paddled! (top right - my husband Roger took that photo!).
Our day out was voted the best visit yet and those who were unable to go will have another chance in September.
Messing about on the water
By Elizabeth Sharratt
Summer is here at last and eight of our stalwarts were driven down to Falmouth where they boarded a boat which took them up the Helford River – the one which features in many of Daphne Du Maurier's books.
First of all we sailed out of the entrance to Falmouth Harbour between the two castles of St Mawes and Pendennis (built by Henry VIII to protect Cornwall from the French) and across Falmouth Bay. Yachtsmen and racing motor boats were out in force, weaving their way between the coasters and tankers which were at anchor.
Helford River was a delight as we sailed slowly from Rosemullion Head to Fisherman's Creek. On the way we had beautiful views of small villages, birds, gardens and lovely wooded areas. It is obviously a walkers paradise and we could see many people taking advantage of the Coastal Path, much of it owned by the National Trust.
The novel Rebecca was set in Mandelay, the site of a mansion proudly overlooking the river; Helford Passage has a ferry which joins the two sides of the river; Fisherman's Creek is the setting of the novel of the name – the trip was like a Daphne Du Maurier Where’s Where!
The top right picture shows the famous Ferryman's Inn.
JUNE 2010 UPDATE
Happy birthday!
By Elizabeth Sharratt
Celebrations were the order of the day at Roseland Parc on the 18th May. Joyce Mitchell, one of the earliest residents of the village, reached her 90th birthday and therefore her tenth decade! All the residents gathered in the lounge, which was beautifully decorated with many magnificent bouquets, to wish her well.
Joyce presented an old banjo she had had restored to another resident, David, who also plays the mandolin (click picture to enlarge). This sparked off a sing-song of old songs and Joyce was soon on her feet dancing. A beautiful birthday cake appeared with nine burning candles.
Unfortunately, (or with malice aforethought?) they were self igniting and however much Joyce tried, she could not blow them out! Eventually she was able to cut the cake and we all toasted her wonderful achievement.
Taking advantage of the sun
The first rays of summer have seen Roseland Parc residents taking advantage of the village’s south facing terrace. A finger buffet with Pimms proved very popular!
Day trips are always nicer in the warmer weather too and residents have visited the Shipwreck Centre in Charlestown and the Lost Gardens of Heligan.
Music from a bygone era
Having recently moved to this area of Cornwall. Steve Skull has been building a reputation as a singer and guitar player. He first came to Roseland Parc last month with the sea shanty group Du Hag Owr. He paid a return visit as a soloist performing a selection of well known songs from the 1940s and 1950s. A definite hit here!
Visiting speaker
Sarah Chapman trained as a geographer and spent many years teaching her subject before joining forces with husband David in a photographic business.
She will be sharing her boundless knowledge with Roseland Parc residents later this month, giving a talk on ‘Iconic Cornwall’, highlighting the many and varied locations that help to make Cornwall a special place.
MAY 2010 UPDATE
New clubs
It seems every time someone new arrives in the village they bring with them their interests and hobbies and before long they’ve found a kindred spirit and we have the beginnings of a new club!
Three new ones have started up in the last couple of months: the Jazz club is led by Mike Juett; the Film Club, organised by Gracie and David Cooper-Bagnall launched with a viewing of Mamma Mia on the big screen in the tv lounge; and the U3A book club is now a regular calendar fixture.
How we spent Election Day
By Elizabeth Sharratt
Living in a retirement village certainly doesn’t stop you being interested in the world outside but, once we’d voted, we were keen to get away from all things Con-Lab-Lib and headed north west to East Looe.
The village is primarily a fishing village on the south bank of the River Looe and very attractive. Maureen only went for the ride as she is confined to an electric reclining wheelchair but we managed to persuade her to leave the car and be adventurous!
By this time the rain had stopped and we were able to make our way down the narrow Cornish streets to the promenade, window shopping all the way astonished by the amazing variety of goods which the shopkeepers think are needed by the holidaymaker!
The return to the car park was along the fishing quay and the smell of the fish was making us very hungry so lunch was indicated. Singly and in pairs we sampled the offerings of various cafes including an ice cream parlour - because octogenarians love ice cream!
East Looe is joined to its neighbour, West Looe, by a lovely multi-arched stone bridge so our tour continued to the end of this small village. The homeward journey was by a different route and included a short detour to Lanhydrock to see the woods carpeted in bluebells.
Our driver is a keen botanist and pointed out where many of the huge number of Cornish wild flowers are growing. This certainly added to our enjoyment of the outing, especially as it started to rain heavily as soon as we left West Looe.
We arrived home full of fresh air ready for the election results – but that’s another story!
APRIL 2010 UPDATE
Easter drive
This is Caerhays Castle with its spring flowering trees which we passed on our way back from Gorran Haven, a delightful village just north of the Roseland Peninsula. Richard regularly takes us on wonderful scenic drives – he is a wonderful driver who is most enthusiastic about the countryside and points out flowers and other points of interest.
Halfway through the drive he finds a lovely spot to stop for us to stretch our legs and drink the tea and coffee he generously provides. He also stops for me to take pictures!
Book worms
We were delighted to welcome members of the U3A to Roseland Parc for a Book Club meeting on Wednesday. The members have invited residents to join them for the monthly event which is taking place in our lovely, traditionally-decorated library.
Scenic Drive to Luxulyan Valley
By Elizabeth Sharratt
It was a glorious spring day as we set off for a scenic drive with our new driver, Des. He is a treasure, drives carefully and panders to all our advanced age foibles.
We left Roseland Parc and travelled north towards Bodmin. All the minor, and even some of Cornwall's major roads, have had thousands of daffodils planted in the verges and these, together with late primroses made a brave and colourful show.
Our main objective was the Luxulyan Valley which is a famous and beautiful area with a delightful brook running through the middle.
The trees in the woods are still not in leaf but the lacy branches against the blue sky have a beauty of their own.
Lunch time was approaching so we drove to the Lost Gardens of Heligan where we lunched in the restaurant which prides itself on its home-cooking.
It was a very happy party which returned to Roseland Parc.
MARCH 2010 UPDATE
Sail away
Elizabeth Sharratt
It was a wet day but a group of stalwart residents ventured out from Roseland Parc to Falmouth where they visited the Maritime Museum for an exhibition about lighthouses. Most of the Cornish lighthouses were featured and it gave a fascinating insight into the lives of the lighthouse keepers.
The main permanent exhibition includes lovely tactile boats suspended from the ceiling, so that they cannot be touched, and glass cases full of delightful models of sailing and other small boats. It was a splendid way to get away from the rain.
Pasties in the sun
Elizabeth Sharratt
Most of the country was under inches of snow but the sun was shining brightly when a group of residents set off for Fowey, a delightful haven for yachtsmen. After visiting a viewing point, from which it was possible to see up and down a couple of miles of the estuary, we were driven to the central square by the water.
First port of call was morning coffee then the shops before a couple of us went over on the little ferry to the other side - just for the fun of it - yes, elderly people DO have fun, and then we looked for lunch.
We found a delicatessen doing a roaring trade in hot Cornish Pasties and we could not resist them. Next door was a bench in the churchyard so we sat there in the warm sun and ate them. It was voted a wonderful morning.
Easter treats
Easter’s a favourite date on the calendar here at Roseland Parc – not least because of all the delicious smells which emanate from our kitchen.
Our chef Haydn Treneary (click image to enlarge) and his team bake light as air Easter biscuits and beautiful Hot Cross Buns bursting with currants and spices. There are very few left overs at our coffee mornings at this time of year!
Spring flowers
The garden here is springing to life with the daffodils poking their heads up and buds appearing everywhere. We’re spoilt for choice here in Cornwall for gardens to visit.
The next one on our calendar is Pencarrow House and Garden. The Georgian house near Wadebridge is still owned, and lived in, by the Moleseworth-St Aubyn family. There are 50 acres of formal and woodland gardens so there will be plenty for us to enjoy during our trip next month.
Memories
Photos, memories, entrance tickets, pressed flowers…. With such long lives behind us we all have boxes full of treasures. So we’re looking forward to a special presentation by Helen Perrott. She’ll be coming along to show us how to make a ‘personal story book’ or ‘memory book’ using photos, scraps of information and keep sakes.
Hopefully she’ll inspire us all and within a few months we’ll all have a special book to share with our friends, neighbours and families.
FEBRUARY 2010 UPDATE
Burns Night celebrations
We had a Burns Night Dinner back in January. Harry Milwood ‘addressed the haggis’ as has to be done according to tradition. We all ate a lovely dinner of haggis and venison during which several residents read Scottish poems by Burns.
And then it was time for the dancing. Various stalwarts danced ‘Stripping the Willow’ – again in line with tradition – and we rounded up the evening with a Scottish sing song accompanied by Bethan Yates on her violin.
Oh… and did I mention the drams of whisky!
Fishy business
A group of us headed off for a special trip to the Blue Reef Aquarium in Newquay for a brief encounter with all kinds of weird and wonderful looking sea creatures.
And just this week some of us found out more about the world of lighthouses and keepers – from the massive scale of these triumphs of engineering to tall tales of the keepers – during a trip to the National Maritime Museum in Falmouth.
Places like this are tourist meccas during holiday seasons so it’s lovely to be able to make the most of them when there are fewer people around. That’s just another of the benefits of living at Roseland Parc – there is so much to see and do right on our doorstep!
TV lounge
We’re thrilled with our new tv lounge area which has a lovely big widescreen tv with Movie and Knowledge packages on. The TV lounge is open from 9.30am-5pm but it’s going to be available later once we have our new evening bar opening times – which is also happening this month!
JANUARY 2010 UPDATE
China in your hands
We had Ivor Bowditch come over earlier this month to give a very interesting talk on the China Clay Industry from its beginnings in 1746 through its rapid 21st century changes with a view to what the future holds. There was a good turn out from residents and also some of the patients from the nursing home.
Some of the audience had experience of working in the industry so there was a lot of interest and a lot of lively discussion after the talk too.
Music night
Musicians from Roseland College are coming over next week to give a concert to residents. The string ensemble will be performing a varied programme of light classics in our function room.
Complementary medicine
Homeopathy is a popular and gentle Complementary Medicine that has been used in the UK since the early 1800s and by the Royal Family for generations.
Expert Peter Smith came to Roseland Parc to talk about the benefits of the therapy and also to pass on some useful tips on how we can help to keep ourselves in good shape! It was an interesting talk and one which certainly left us with some food for thought.
DECEMBER 2009 UPDATE
Christmas is here!
Christmas has most definitely arrived at Roseland Parc. We’ve had carol singers, concerts, shopping trips and, of course, our Christmas fair.
That was a brilliant event, bustling with residents, family, friends and neighbours. We had lots of different stalls selling Christmas gifts, bric a brac, children’s toys and jewellery.
We were absolutely delighted to raise around £500 on the day.
We’ve decided to support The Precious Lives appeal raising money towards the building of the Little Harbour Hospice near St Austell so will be presenting the money to the charity in the coming weeks.
Tuning up
This is the newly-formed Roseland Parc choir practising some of their Christmas numbers.
The choir is in its infancy but there have been some lovely tunes drifting out of the rehearsal room so we’re excited about hearing them.
Their debut will be after our pre-Christmas meal.
Choirs welcomed
We have been honoured to welcome a number of local children in to sing at Roseland Parc recently. Children from Tregony Primary School, Tregony Pre-School and Truro School boys choir have all visited us here.
It’s wonderful hearing them sing – and with the Christmas tree up and the decorations and lights it’s the perfect start to Christmas.
Merry Christmas from everyone at Roseland Parc!
NOVEMBER 2009 UPDATE
Resident’s design in print
With Christmas fast approaching, we entered into the festive spirit, taking part in Retirement Villages’ ‘design a Christmas card’ competition.
Elizabeth Sharratt’s ‘Photograph of Father Christmas’ (click picture to enlarge) was chosen as one of seven runner-up designs from across the villages, and appears on the reverse of the 2,000 Christmas cards, available for suppliers, residents, their families and friends. Elizabeth receives a box of chocolates to mark her efforts.
Fireworks night went with a bang!
Residents of the village and our nursing home enjoyed some spectacular sights as staff launched a series of fireworks to celebrate Bonfire Night.
Afterwards, the nursing home residents congregated in their dining room for tea and cake while residents of the village enjoyed punch, soup, and cheese and biscuits in the restaurant. This was our second annual Bonfire party and proved a resounding success – despite the cold weather!
A star in our midst
There is some excitement round the village since discovering we have a star in our midst! One of our residents is an actress and, in the sixties, she appeared in episodes of The Avengers – a big favourite with a lot of us.
We’re having a special video evening soon where we’ll be watching one of the episodes she starred in and then be listening to some of her experiences.
Christmas is coming….
The Christmas events calendar went up on our noticeboards this week and we’ve been left wondering when we’ll get time to do our Christmas shopping! There are carol and Christmas concerts, our Christmas fair, a trip to Truro Grand Victorian Christmas Market and a performance by our own Roseland Parc Ladies Choir after our pre-Christmas evening meal. We’ll let you know how they go!
OCTOBER 2009 UPDATE
Trip to Charlestown
We’re very much hoping to see one of these beautiful rigged ships in the harbour at Charlestown during our trip there early next month. The Georgian working port is so unspoilt with much of remaining as it was when it was originally built at the turn of the 18th century in response to the growth of the local mining industry.
Charlestown has been used as a location for lots of well-known television programmes and films including Poldark, Hornblower and Mansfield Park so we’re hoping to spot a few familiar views.
Again, we are so lucky to live in such a gorgeous part of the country.
Antiques on show
An array of antiques was polished up by residents in preparation for the Bonham Antiques and Collectables Valuation evening. A bit like Roseland Parc’s own version of the Antiques Roadshow, the evening gave us all a chance to find out a bit more about some of our treasured possessions. Sometimes it’s not the valuation but the history of an item that makes it all the more precious.
Twit…twooooo
We paid a return visit to our feathered friends at the Screech Owl Sanctuary this month. Of course the day time is a good time to visit owls as they’re roosting so you can get up close to them without them flying off.
We spent a delightful morning finding out about the owls and other birds at the Sanctuary and learning about the valuable work the staff do there.
SEPTEMBER 2009 UPDATE
Snap that picture
Residents were delighted to see their own photography and paintings on show at an Art and Photography Exhibition organised by our own Lynn Trudgeon in Roseland Nursing Home.
It provided a great opportunity for some of our more artistic residents to show off their work – we’re quite a talented bunch it turns out!
Mais Oui!
We had a wonderful turn out for the first meeting of our French Conversation Group earlier this month.
The group has been organised by the U3A and attracted not only Roseland Parc residents but some of our neighbours from Tregony and other nearby villages.
It’s great to stretch the old grey matter and put some of our language knowledge to good use.
Green fingered visitor
John Lanyon is a National Trust Garden Manager who works for the National Trust in our local area.
We were delighted to welcome him to Roseland Parc earlier this month. He shared some of his incredible bank of knowledge with us, concentrating on plants native to our corner of the UK.
He talked specifically about some of the more unusual specimens to be found at Roseland Parc which made us look at our beautifully landscaped gardens with fresh eyes.
AUGUST 2009 UPDATE
Congratulations!
Elizabeth and Roger Sharratt are a very popular couple at Roseland Parc and well known in the local community too, thanks to their involvement with the U3A, the church and photography groups. So we're very much looking forward to helping them celebrate their 18th wedding anniversary at the end of this month.
The sun shone!
The sun shining always makes a day out so much more fun so we were delighted to wake up to clear skies on the morning of our visit to Marsh Villa Gardens in Par.
It’s a beautiful place and on a sunny summer’s day it looked glorious.
Punch in the patio
There was a good turn out for our Punch and Canapes afternoon to mark the opening of the new Boules Patio area. It’s a lovely addition to our beautifully landscaped gardens and is already being well used.
Undiscovered beaches
Holidaymakers flock to our part of the world throughout the summer to make the most of some of the most stunning beaches in the country. We’re lucky enough to live near enough to visit some of them 52 weeks of the year.
And with so many local people living here, relatives and staff who know the area we can always find someone to tell us about a beach the tourists haven’t yet discovered. Caerhays beach is one of those and we had a lovely day out there recently, enjoying a stroll on the sand. Perfect!
Coming in September
- The first meeting of the new French group.
- Talk by John Lanyon, National Trust Garden Manager
- Trip to St Mawes
- Trip to Palmassick Vineyard
- Health and wellness presentation
- Illustrated lecture by Cornwall Wildlife Trust
- Curry night
- Cornish Pasty supper and music evening
JULY 2009 UPDATE
Congratulations
Four residents of Roseland Parc entered photographs and paintings in the Tregony Garden and Craft show – with amazing results. Between them, Don Cook, Michael Truett and Roger and Elizabeth Sharratt won a whole clutch of certificates – seven of which were first prizes!
The photograph judged best in the show was taken by Keith Oliver of Gorran Haven who is, as it happens, a member of the U3A Digital Imaging Group which our resident Elizabeth Sharratt runs at Roseland Parc. This is his photo of Lake Nasser in Egypt (click to enlarge picture).
Tortoise Garden visit
We had a lovely day out to the Tortoise Garden near St Austell. The weather was beautiful and we got to wander round the gardens and watch the tortoises.
Reading group launched
Members of our Leisure Club from Tregony and the surrounding area are joining us to form the Roseland Park Book Club. The idea is to meet monthly in the library and to discuss a book we’ve all read.
There are a lot of keen readers in the village and a well-stocked library so we’re hoping there will be a good number of members. We’re holding our first meeting in August to formulate the book list and to appoint a Club Secretary.
Summer flowers
Roseland Parc sponsored a floral display at St Cuby Church during the Tregony Flower Festival in July. The floral display (pictured here) was entitled ‘Tregony Old and New’ and featured Roseland Parc.
Summer calendar
- Monday - Tai Chi
- Tuesday - Charity coffee morning
- Wednesday – Evening meal with music performed by Just Ken (guitar and song)
- Thursday – Scenic drive
- Friday - Pilates
JUNE 2009 UPDATE
New terrace perfect for sunny days
The sun we’ve been basking in over the last few weeks has meant our new terrace has become a very popular place to be! It’s been beautifully created by our maintenance team and some of our more green-fingered residents have now set up a gardening group to plant the area up and maintain it.
There is some lovely garden furniture for us to sit out on so we can enjoy our surroundings and chat to friends. We’re just hoping for a long sunny summer so we can make the most of the new area.
Flowers galore
Roger and Elizabeth Sharratt are busy supporting the Tregony Past and Present event being held at St Cuby Church in the village of Tregony.
Roseland Parc has sponsored a flower arrangement at the event which is spread over four days. Roseland Parc is being featured in the future section – something we’re all very proud of. We feel very much part of the wider community here and it’s good to be involved in events like this.
Garden visit
A group of us headed to the tortoise garden and Trewithen Gardens in Grampounds, near Truro for a day trip. The gardens there are magnificent – the collection of magnolias and camellias are famous round the world. A good day out was had by all.
Events we’re looking forward to in July
- A talk on Wild Deer Watching and the playing of a stress-relieving DVD Calmer By Nature by Barry Wheelock
- Trip to Lappa Valley Steam Railway
- Visit to Stithians Agricultural Show
- Quiz Night and Nibbles
- Excursion to Boconnoc Steam Fair
- Presentation by Independence @ Home
MAY 2009 UPDATE
A splashing good time for charity
Our swimathon (click picture to enlarge) was a great success. We swam 4,600 lengths in a 10 hour period and raised £2,500 for the local Hospice and Tregony summer events for children.
The driving force behind the event was our local vicar, Rev Sian Yates, helped by residents, Mr and Mrs Sharratt.
Elizabeth Sharratt led off at 9 am, followed by husband Roger, at 87 the oldest swimmer. She did 50 lengths and he did 60.
Our village manager Derek Pashley swam 140 lengths in his 30 minutes. Gillian Broad from our Roseland Nursing Home also swam several lengths with assistance and the rest of our swimmers were from the church at Tregony. It was great fun!
High tea on the patio
Residents are invited to ‘high tea’ on the village’s new patio area to officially celebrate its opening! Tea, sandwiches, scones and pitchers of lemonade will be the order of the day.
VIP guests call into Roseland
Mr and Mrs Bailey (click picture to enlarge) from Ottery-St-Mary in Devon were guests of honour in our village recently. Part of their prize for winning Retirement Villages’ national competition was a visit to Roseland Parc.
It was a pleasure to welcome them and we think they were impressed by what the saw!
Village events – spring/summer diary
- Mondays – bridge
- Tuesdays – pilates, Tai Chi
- Wednesdays – beautician Anne O’Grady available in the leisure club
- Thursdays – aquatherapy
- Fridays – aquatherapy, pilates, bridge